A Davison student who just began competing in Northwood Mock Trial last fall earned an Outstanding Attorney Award at the recent Rookie Rumble Tournament hosted by the American Mock Trial Association.
“This summer has been a great experience and learning opportunity for our whole program,” stated Barrett Tefft. “I’m extremely grateful to our coaches and to Northwood University for giving us the opportunity to compete. We achieved a lot, and I’m confident our team can expand on our success in the fall!”
The Rookie Rumble Tournament drew 64 teams of six to 12 students.
“The tournament takes its name from the fact that only students with two or fewer years of experience in American Mock Trial Association tournaments are permitted to compete,” explained Dr. DeLois T. Leapheart, director of Northwood’s Mock Trial program.
Awards were announced for the top attorneys in each division, which included Tefft receiving an Outstanding Attorney Award. Tefft returned to Michigan to compete in the tournament following a summer internship with Hendrick Motors in North Carolina. In addition to Mock Trial, Tefft is active on campus as a learning center tutor and member of the Finance Association of Northwood University and Northwood’s student honors society.
Tefft is enrolled in Northwood’s accelerated Bachelor/MBA program and plans to attend law school following graduation. In Mock Trial, he earned Outstanding Attorney Awards at tournaments at Rochester University last fall and Michigan State University last spring.
Other students who competed for Northwood in this summer’s Rookie Rumble Tournament included Laina Tomei, Parker Maples, Conrad Waldie, Aaron Harvey, Jaleigh Beckert, Johnathan Schwegler, Evan Baker, and Jenna Houserman.
“Every participant made clear and noticeable progress in improving their critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills,” Leapheart stated. “It is a blessing to work with such motivated students who are willing to invest half of their summer preparing for an optional virtual tournament. I firmly believe the skills they develop while growing in this competitive academic activity will pay great dividends in their careers long after graduation.”
